Community Spirit

The Dental Careers program at Careerline Tech Center started the 2015 school year with state-of-the-art dental chairs allowing students to gain hands-on experience with technology used in today’s dental offices.

“These chairs allow our students to gain experience on the high-tech equipment found in the current work environment and gives our students an advantage when applying for jobs after high school,” said Denise Callaghan, dental careers instructor for CTC. “Receiving these chairs as a donation from Dr. Darren Riopelle at Little Smiles provides our students with real-world experience and helps set the stage for a successful career.”

HOLLAND, Mich.-- Elzinga & Volkers (E&V), a leading provider of construction management services, will celebrate its 70th anniversary by launching a 70 Random Acts of Kindness initiative throughout West Michigan.

The year-long program will see all employees continuing to give back to the communities that have supported E&V’s growth over the past seven decades. Team members will venture out into the community with the financial resources to make a difference wherever they feel drawn to help. During the campaign, everyone’s goal will be the same: make a positive impact in the lives of the people they meet.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. -- Grand Haven has many resources that can help residents better their financial situation. Neighborhood Housing Services is planning the second annual Show Me the Money Day to help bring these resources together at the Loutit District Library for residents of Ottawa County.

Show Me the Money Day is Saturday, Jan. 24 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in program rooms A and B. The event will include free financial classes, table-top vendor presentations, information and appointment scheduling for free tax assistance services and prize drawings. Participants can learn how to begin to get out of debt, increase savings, about home ownership information and programs, and much more.

HOLLAND, Mich.-- Explore the winter wonderland and a piece of West Michigan history with a guided snowshoe walk at the historic VanRaalte Farm this Saturday.

The community is asked to call to register to experience a guided snowshoe walk this Saturday at the Historic VanRaalte Farm. A naturalist will lead the one-hour tour, pointing out signs of wildlife and how the animals use snow for shelter.

This snowshoe walk takes place Saturday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the historic VanRaalte Farm, located at 1076 16th Street in Holland. The walk is free for Friends of DeGraaf Nature Center and $3 for non-members. Registration is encouraged; to sign up, call (616) 355-1057. For more information, visit www.cityofholland.com.

Many municipalities are offering free tree recycling services to residents with a natural tree. Some communities are planning to put the trees through a chipper and use the remnants to cover park trails and other green spaces. Here is the schedule for live tree drop-offs:

Ada Township (Through Jan. 12)

Ada Township Park, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Alpine Township (Through Jan. 31)

Behind Township Hall, 5255 Alpine Ave. NW

Cannon Township (Through Jan. 10)

West side of the township building; RHS Honor Society will help unload trees Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (donations encouraged)

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich.—Greater Ottawa County United Way is more than half-way to its community campaign goal.

As of Dec. 18, business and private donations totaled 57 percent of the organization’s $2.3 million goal. United Way staff and campaign volunteers aim to raise at least six percent more during the previous drive. Eight local companies—Automatic Spring Products, West Michigan Molding, Macatawa Bank, Brilliance Audio, Great Lakes Castings, Elzinga and Volkers, SAF Holland and Consumers Energy—have already donated more than in years past.

“That will get us to our goal of $2.3 million,” said Tony Verplank, campaign co-chair and president of Pliant Plastics Corporation in Spring Lake.